Health insurance glossary
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Plain-English definition
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal program that helps pay for dental care for residents who qualify. It is for households with adjusted family net income under $90,000 that do not have access to dental insurance. What you pay depends on income: under $70,000 the plan covers eligible costs in full at its own fees, and a co-payment applies above that.
By the HealthRate editorial desk
Where this applies: Federal. Applies in every province and territory.
How it works
Coverage depends on adjusted family net income: under $70,000 the plan covers 100% of eligible costs at its established fees; from $70,000 to $79,999 it covers 60%; and from $80,000 to $89,999 it covers 40% (Government of Canada).
Co-payments are calculated on the plan's established fees, so if a dental office charges more than those fees, you pay the difference.
Access to private dental coverage makes you ineligible, and that includes dental coverage you buy yourself or a health spending account that pays dental costs (Government of Canada, updated September 22, 2026).
Why it matters
If your household is under the income limit, buying a private dental plan can cost you eligibility for the federal plan. Check the federal plan before you buy dental coverage.